Chapter one: the Airport

“I can’t believe you’re actually going,” I said weakly, feeling a sadness creeping into the hollow of my stomach. The boy standing in front of me, with his hair mussed up and a heavy backpack on his shoulder, was my best friend, my soul mate. He was supposed to stay around forever, not leave halfway through. Aaaaaaand he was not supposed to be staring at my sister.

“Yeah, I know.” His delayed reply made me frown and I glanced over at my sister, who was smiling coyly at him. She was so false and deceptive, a heart-breaker in the making. I knew that she didn’t like him; she would always say, ‘he’s such a little kid, just look at those glasses!’ I couldn’t understand why she hadn’t told him she wasn’t interested – watching him fawn over her, right in front of my eyes, made me want to puke green.

I scratched the back of my neck nervously and said in a loud voice sure to catch his attention, “Well, I’ll miss you.”

“Yeah, I’m going to miss having you around, too,” he responded but he hadn’t removed his eyes from my sister. I looked away, angry and hurt. His words were empty and meaningless. I knew he didn’t mean what he was saying, I knew those words weren’t meant for me.

I glared at my sister. She was standing beside me, pretty in her short pink skirt and white singlet top that was obviously too cold for the onset of autumn. I looked down at what I was wearing and felt myself recoil. For so many years I had mimicked her wardrobe, her actions, her revolting personality and her life just so I could make him notice me. Everything seemed futile now. He was leaving for America.

I didn’t even know why she was here, and I wouldn’t work it out until much later on after I’d discerned my own personal self from her superficially unfortunate personality.

“Come on, Theodore. The plane’s about to leave,” announced his mother, placing a hand on his shoulder to steer him away. I felt my heart wrench. Lianne, his mother, bent down to give each of us a kiss on the cheek, as a farewell. I barely felt her cold, chapped lips against my chubby face. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the longing Theodore harboured in his face.

“Good-bye, Simone.” The words struck an icy cord in my heart. I could recognise that tone. I stiffened and felt a furious rage grip my stomach.

“Yeah, bye,” dismissed my sister as she continued to scout the surrounding area for boys. He spared me a quick glance, forcing a toothy grin my way before he and his mother disappeared beyond the final gate.

I waved to him, but I knew he didn’t see. My mother, who stood behind us, sniffled and placed her hands on my shoulders.

“It’ll be okay, Claire. You’ll seem him again soon,” reassured my mother but her words had very little effect. I was confused. I didn’t want him to leave, but then again – I glanced at my sister – perhaps it was a good thing.